Regarding the "reviewer(s)" in question. From what I understand, there were some critics who decided the tiebreakers, but there were also 100 contemporary pianists who voted and their lists are printed out on two pages in this magazine. How much serious thought they gave to it...I don't know. Also to me it seems that three votes only is way too little plus it would have meant a lot more to me to read why they voted the way that they did. But, for example, here's a sampling of how some of your favourites voted (I'm presuming by your comments that you have not seen the article(s)?). Anyway:
Stephen Kovacevich: Rachmaninov, Horowitz, and Serkin
Stephen Hough: Cortot, Friedman, and Rachmaninov
Marc Andre Hamelin: Cortot, Friedman, and Zimerman
Arcadi Volodos: Rachmaninov, Schnabel, and Cortot
And no, my comparison between my reactions to the Chopin concerto was not brought up regarding differences in taste, but as a counter-arguement to your comment about some of these artists not having been picked on the strength of their recordings alone....that's all. And I've been discovering over the past few years that LOTS of piano-loving folks enjoy his Chopin recordings amongst others [and thus it's not just his reputation, I propose, which got him voted onto that list]. And as a side note, I've had a pleasant time listening (a couple of times now) to Ms. Argerich and Mr. Freire playing on their recent album.

Maybe at least some of those people who voted for, say Rachmaninoff, REALLY do enjoy his recordings! Here's an idea for you: Stephen Hough has a blog as you well know....why don't you ask him what made him choose the pianists that he did? Go for it! Maybe he'll be nice and take the time to answer you!

I'd also love to know!!!
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